The names of the Greek gods - the Pantheon of ancient people

The Ancient Greeks practiced paganism - polytheism, which worshiped a large number of gods, each responsible for a single phenomenon or function.

The Greek gods, whose names are familiar to almost everyone at school, acting like normal people in positions of power. They are cunning, scheming and fighting. Their relationship to each other is incredibly confusing, so it is interesting to study the myths associated with them.

The Supreme God of the Greek Pantheon - Zeus, thrower of lightning, he was in charge of the sky. Almost all the major Olympian gods have children or brothers and sisters, including his wife, Hera, who is also his sister, which he, according to myth, often changes.

Hades, brother of Zeus, head of the underworld, the realm of the dead. With him, his wife Persephone and her mother Demeter, has an interesting myth explaining the changing seasons.

Poseidon, brother of Zeus, is the ruler of the seas and oceans, protector of sea travelers. Usually depicted with a Trident in his hand.

Names of Greek gods that are children of Zeus, familiar to almost everyone: Aphrodite, Artemis, Ares, Apollo, Hermes.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and one of the 12 great Olympian gods, was born from sea foam, but, nevertheless, traditionally considered a daughter of Zeus. It is often referred to in myths as a minor participant in the action, but there are stories, devoted only to her.

Artemis and Apollo, twins born by the goddess Leto, Zeus, represent respectively the moon and the sun. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, forever young and virgin protector of nature, often depicted with a bow and surrounded by animals. Famous Herostratus, wishing to become famous burned the temple dedicated to Artemis of Ephesus. Apollo was also a patron of the arts and Sciences, he was also a healer.

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Ares - God of war, according to some assumptions was not Greek but Thracian origin, but often it is referred to as the son of Zeus and Hera. For a time he was the lover of Aphrodite, her sister, their relationship is mentioned in many myths and are the cause of many conflicts. Their Union begot 6 children: Phobos, Deimos, Eros, Anteros, Himeros and Harmony. As you can see, the names of Greek gods found expression in astronomy, but more on that later.

Hermes - the patron of merchants and thieves, son of Zeus and, according to some assumptions, Maya, and others - Persephone, who was Zeus's daughter. Symbols of Hermes are the caduceus and winged sandals, and a characteristic helmet, although he is often portrayed without it.

Also not to mention Athena, which is among the Olympian gods. She was a patron of wisdom and knowledge. She was the daughter of Zeus, born from his head.

Another famous goddess, which occupies a significant place in the Greek Pantheon, Demeter is responsible for the fertility and agriculture, which is literally the universal mother, and also sister of Zeus. The names of the Greek gods, in particular of Demeter, can be seen even in modern culture, popular Russian name Dmitry means literally a “dedicated to the goddess Demeter”.

As already mentioned, the Greek names of the gods and their Roman counterparts, became widespread in astronomy. Mercury (Hermes), Venus (Aphrodite), Mars (Ares), Jupiter (Zeus), Saturn (Kronos, father of Zeus), Uranus (grandfather of Zeus), Pluto (Poseidon), and the satellites of the planets and numerous asteroids.

Names of Greek gods, no doubt, known to almost everyone, but not only their names but their actions are worthy of study because they are interesting and entertaining.